Construction work is a dangerous job. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 4,693 worker fatalities in the United States in 2016. Of those, 922 were in construction-related occupations. That’s a rate of more than two per day.
While many of these fatalities are the result of unavoidable accidents, many are caused by simple mistakes that could have been prevented. In this article, we will look at some of the most common accidents around a job site and how to prevent them.
Falling from Heights
One of the most common causes of construction worker fatalities is falling from heights. This can happen when workers are not correctly secured while working on scaffolding, roofs, or other elevated areas.
Always use the correct safety equipment and follow all safety protocols to prevent this type of accident. Employees and contractors must be trained to use safety harnesses and other fall-prevention devices.
Getting Hit by Falling Objects
Another common construction accident is getting hit by a falling object which can happen when tools or materials are not secured and then fall from heights, striking workers below.
Follow all safety protocols for securing tools and materials to prevent this type of accident. Workers should also be aware of their surroundings and be cautious of overhead hazards.
Electrocution
Electrocution is another leading cause of construction worker fatalities. This can happen when workers come into contact with power lines or other electrically charged objects.
Always follow safety protocols around electrical hazards. Workers should be trained to work safely around electricity.
Getting Struck by a Vehicle
Construction workers are also at risk of getting struck by a vehicle which can happen when workers are not visible to drivers or when they are working in areas where vehicles are not supposed to be.
Prevent this type of accident by always following safety protocols around vehicular traffic. Properly train workers in how to work safely around vehicles.
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Slips, Trips, and Falls
Slips, trips, and falls are also common construction accidents. This can happen when workers are not careful of their surroundings or when not using proper safety equipment.
To prevent this, be aware of your surroundings and use proper safety equipment. Train workers in how to safely work in construction areas. All tools and equipment should also be tidied, you can use a veto tool bag to help.
Job site accidents can be costly in terms of money and human life. To prevent these accidents workers and employers need to understand the most common causes of job site accidents. This article has outlined some of the most common causes of job site accidents and how they can be prevented. By following the advice in this article, you can help keep your employees safe on the job site and avoid costly injuries or fatalities.
